7 things you have to do in Final Fantasy XV

After so many years of anticipation, Final Fantasy XV is actually out, revamping the series with an action slant and pushing the exploration into a massive open-world. It's a much larger beast than other games in the series, filled with things to see and do over tens of hours of pure, unadulterated bromance. There's more to it than simply fighting monsters, so we've put together a little primer for your time in Lucis, making sure you'll know where to pull in on your road trip.

1. Camp with your bros

Whereas Final Fantasy X-2 was all about the girls, Final Fantasy XV is about a group of boys who have all been pals since childhood. Protagonist Prince Noctis is accompanied on his journey by advisor Ignis, bodyguard Gladiolus and best buddy Prompto. Whether you're cruising in your royal car, the Regalia, or trekking through the wilderness, they'll always be by your side quipping away.

When you are trekking out in the wilds, be sure to keep an eye out for camping spots where you can set up for the night. Doing so allows you to look over the photos Prompto has taken throughout the day, as well as sample some of Ignis's stat boosting – and actually very tasty-looking – food. You can even train your fighting skills with Gladiolus, and sleeping will bank any experience you've earned through the day.

2. Listen to the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack

Every time you visit a garage shop, be sure to check their wares for a new soundtrack. You can listen to scores from across the Final Fantasy series while cruising in the Regalia, and there's nothing like your hair blowing in the wind as the Cosmo Canyon theme blasts out the car speakers.

There's some dubstep too, but fire that directly in the bin and bask in nostalgia instead. Have a little cry while listening to Aerith's theme and remind yourself how great the Final Fantasy XIII soundtrack is. You'll soon get over the fact that To Zanarkand is missing from the Final Fantasy X disc.

3. Play Justice Monsters Five

Visit one of the Crow's Nest Diners dotted around Final Fantasy XV's world, tucked away in outposts and parking spots all over the map. These eateries don't just contain inspiration for Ignis's future dishes, they also house little pinball machines called Justice Monsters Five.

Pop 10 gil in the coin slot and have a round of hyperactive, number-popping pinball. You'll even get an achievement for doing so. If you dig it, you can continue to play the minigame as a standalone release on both Android and iOS.

4. Catch a massive fish

Noctis loves nothing more than a spot of fishing, so indulge his hobby every chance you get. You'll find various fishing spots scattered around the fantasy landscape, and each provides a welcome respite from all the monster fighting and trying to reclaim your shattered kingdom.

Experiment with different lures and fishing spots and try to land a beast. Just make sure your line has plenty of durability before casting out. The more you fish, the better Noctis gets at fishing and the bigger catches you'll land. Do it for love or do it for profit – or even, at one point, do it for cat food – but just make sure you do it.

5. Defeat Deadeye the behemoth

Throughout your journey Noctis will be asked to take on hunting contracts. Most of these are straightforward and provide you with a financial reward for your troubles, though many of them can safely be ignored if you don't fancy a fight.

Deadeye is different. This beast feels like an event, the game teasing the encounter as you make your way to fight him, at one point even stalking him back to his lair through a blanket of fog. In the fight, there are also some environmental hazards you can turn to your advantage with clever magic use, making the battle even more interesting than the norm. Be sure to equip some fire spells.

6. Ride a chocobo

As if all that excitement wasn't enough reason to fight Deadeye, defeating the behemoth also unlocks chocobo rental, so you can ride around the wilds into places the Regalia can't reach… on an oversized chicken. Yes, the music plays while you're riding them.

You can head to the chocobo ranch and stock up on greens, giving them little stat boosts when you sleep. You can also change their appearance, adorning them with medals after you win races and changing their colour to suit your mood. If not for you, do it for Prompto – he loves those feathery things.

7. Summon a god

It's very easy to get distracted by all the sidequests in Final Fantasy XV, but it's worth remembering that there's plenty of great stuff tucked away in the main storyline, too, from exciting set-pieces to entire new abilities. One of these new abilities allows you to summon massive deities to aid you in combat, which is as amazing as it sounds.

We won't spoil the specifics, but it must be known that these summons are extraordinary. These screen-filling special moves are just a joy to witness, filled with pyrotechnics, massive beards and huge damage numbers. Standing in the aftermath of these summons, surrounded by glowing embers and other scars of the damage caused, is something every Final Fantasy fan should see. We've come a long way since Knights of the Round.

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